I am so fortunate to be placed in my internship for this time period. Here, I had a chance to participate in DA’s annual conference, Taragram Yarta, and meet with professionals in this space from all over India. The networking was amazing. In one of our roundtable discussions themed “investing in people,” we had an amazing discussion on changing the language from one that elicits a response associated with expectation of return or monetary gain to one of supporting wellbeing. I walked away with a number of such “a-ha” moments. Over lunch I met with a young professional named Asha (in white above) who shared with me what was happening currently for women in India and the reaction in respects to clothing. I don’t think I can accurately summarize the half hour discussion, but what’s fascinating is the trend to “trousers” and jeans is reminiscent of the Western cultural backlash/ feminist movement women experienced in the 60s and 70s. Describing all the style nuances, Asha emphasized how it symbolizes choice. Her generation is the first to go out in the evening, to choose their clothes, their hobbies, their sexual experiences. These are all things, no matter where I fall on the spectrum of personal choice and value, I take for granted. At the same time, I recognize my own limitations as a woman in this country and don’t venture out at night, even to a market for food. Perhaps these pant-wearing feminists will make it possible for my daughter to be safe when she wants to grab a snack after dark on her own adventures to this beautiful country in the future. In confidence, as a woman, Asha told me that she really does prefer traditional clothing. She noted, was that once you cross that line and prove your point, women re-find/center themselves and want to wear saris and the like once again. However, as women they are still fighting so hard for choice, which Western clothing represents to them, and many feel they cannot admit their feelings openly. Personally, she still feels the need to push back and wear the uncomfortable pants for her fellow sisters and the next generation. No matter what they choose to wear, I am so honored to meet these women who are self-sacrificing in so many ways to create space for equality and get back to the true roots of their culture before the perversion of patriarchy occurred. The desire to exercise choice and the freedom to do so is as powerful as the women who are making it possible here.
1 Comment
carla
9/22/2017 08:47:46 am
Love your blogs Ashley! xxoo
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorAshley J.E. Hull Archives
November 2017
Categories |